Generalizing a golden image removes computer-specific information so that the image can be cloned and deployed throughout your enterprise. The Windows OS Optimization Tool for VMware Horizon uses the information provided to generate an unattend answer file, which is used by the system prepaaration (sysprep) tool.

Prerequisites

  • Install all required language packs.
  • Ensure that Windows is in audit mode. If Windows is not in audit mode, the generalize functionality is disabled.

Procedure

  1. On the Windows OS Optimization Tool for VMware Horizon UI, click the Generalize tab.
  2. Set the time zone and language locale used by sysprep.
  3. Select the language pack to be used as the system locale, UI locale, and user locale.
    The drop-down displays the installed language packs.
  4. Select Autologon for the local administrator account to automatically log on when Windows boots.
  5. Enter a password for the local administrator.
  6. Select Copy Profile to copy the built-in administrator profile to the default user profile, which is then used as a template for new user profile.
  7. Select Automatic Restart to restart Windows after the generalize task is completed.
  8. Click View Answer File to generate and view the unattend answer file.
  9. Click Enable Editor to edit the answer file and click OK after you complete the edits.
  10. Click Generalize.

Results

OS Optimization Tool runs sysprep with out-of-box experience (OOBE) and the unattend answer file. If you did not select Automatic Restart, you will be prompted to reboot the VM.

What to do next

Finalize the image.